BUFFALO, New York – July 11, 2024 – 'Raclette de Compton au Poivre,’ a raclette–style cheese from Fromagerie la Station of Compton, Québec, Canada, was named 1st Place ‘Best of Show’ among 1,596 entries at the American Cheese Society’s 2024 Judging & Competition. The results of the competition were announced at a ceremony tonight at the ‘Cheese For Real’ Conference at the Buffalo Convention Center. Fromagerie la Station, who submitted to Judging & Competition for the first time, received seven awards at this year’s competition - three 1st place, three 2nd place, and 1st Place Best of Show.  

La Raclette de Compton au Poivre has a coppery-colored washed rind surrounding the semi-firm golden paste with its line of pink peppercorns running through the center of the cheese. The aroma of apples and butter is enhanced by the pink peppercorns when heated.  

The 2nd Place Best of Show went to ‘Le Cousin,’ a Soft-Ripened Washed Rind cheese from Fromagerie Médard of Saint-Gédéon, Québec, Canada and the 3rd Place Best of Show went to ‘Flagship Reserve’ from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese of Seattle, WA 
 

The competition saw a remarkable number of entries this year, with 1,596 submissions from organizations across North America. The entries were judged across 133 different categories, resulting in 380 awards being distributed, including 117 first-place medals, 131 second-place medals, and 132 third-place medals to 142 organizations. 
 

"We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these cheesemakers," said David Lockwood, Chair of the American Cheese Society’s Judging & Competition Committee. "Their dedication to craftsmanship and quality is truly inspiring, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to the cheese industry." 
 

ACS’ Judging & Competition (J&C), the largest event of its kind for American-made cheeses, wrapped up two-days of judging at the Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in June. Products entered into the competition were received June 3-5, 2024, with judging from June 6-7. Growing from just 89 entries 38 years ago, the ACS J&C welcomed cheeses and cultured dairy products from 228 companies this year.  
 

The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards and is one of the largest cheese competitions in North America. The event highlights the exceptional quality and diversity of cheeses being produced across the continent, providing a platform for cheese makers to showcase their best products. 

For the full list of the 2024 Judging & Competition winners, click here.

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